Stage one of Coronavirus business support measures announced

Mackay Regional Council has detailed stage one of business support measures to help assist those impacted by the escalating Coronavirus crisis.

The business support response includes waiving a raft of fees for 2020-2021 and a focus on local spend and job creation measures immediately and during the recovery.

The due date for the next lot of rates in September will also be extended by three months.

Discussions will be held with the new council, once elected, about other measures, including possible further rates relief.

CEO Craig Doyle said the measures, estimated to be worth several million dollars, were stage one of council’s Mackay COVID-19 Business Support Response plan.

“In what is an everchanging environment, the measures outlined are likely to change and be expanded as we understand more of the COVID-19 impact on our region,’’ he said.

“However, we believe these measures are a good and financially sensible starting point.”

Mr Doyle said initiatives relating to the 2020-2021 financial year budget would need to be endorsed by the new council, which was expected to occur in late April.

“Further discussions will occur with the newly elected local government regarding what other staged support could be considered and implemented, including possible further rates relief and other initiatives,’’ he said.